Actor Deepti Sadhwani on beauty standards in South: They don't want skinny actors
Actor Deepti Sadhwani, known for her role in 'Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah', recently opened up about the beauty standards in the entertainment industry. She spoke about the pressure to conform to stereotypes and how she eventually overcame it.In an exclusive interview with IndiaToday.in, Deepti recalled an incident when she was set to walk in a fashion show. However, things took a turn when the designers called her 'fat,' prompting her to undergo a drastic physical transformation.advertisementSharing her story, the actor said, 'Before Cannes, I was supposed to walk for a fashion show and someone told me I was fat and I took it to heart. If you compare me from last year to now, I've lost 18 kg. This was around seven months ago, just before Paris Fashion Week. I was all set to be a showstopper. Everything was ready, but during trials, the outfit didn't fit. That's when I said to myself, 'I'm going to change. I'll fit into that size 8.' Eventually, I went beyond that and I came down to a size 6. I lost more than expected.'
The actor further spoke about how beauty standards in showbiz can take a toll on one's mental health. She compared it to the South Indian film industry and pointed out how women have been objectified in Bollywood for the longest time.advertisementElaborating on the issue, she said, 'That's absolutely true. But things are changing now. Earlier, fashion shows mostly featured size four or size six models. Today, inclusivity has become a key focus.'If you go to the South, they actually prefer a fuller body, being skinny often doesn't work there. And in other regions, it's the complete opposite. This just shows how women have been objectified for the longest time. Take Tamannaah, for example. She looked stunning in 'Aaj Ki Raat', but soon after, people started calling her fat. She herself said, 'I didn't even realise I had gained weight, people just came up and told me.'Sadhwani added that Tamannaah is happy the way she is and doesn't appreciate being labelled as 'milky,' 'fat,' or 'slim'.'This objectification has long been part of the industry. It's show business, where looks often come before talent. Acting is considered only after the appearance. But thankfully, that's starting to change. People are finally beginning to value acting over just how someone looks,' the actor concluded.Deepti Sadhwani started her journey as a singer who lent her voice to tracks like 'Haryana Roadways', 'Lala Lala Lori', and 'Toot Jayein'. However, it was her role in the hit sitcom 'Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah' that brought her nationwide recognition. For those unaware, Deepti played the character Aradhana Sharma in the show.Trending Reel
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
3 hours ago
- Time of India
Chinnalagu Vijaya Kumar gets James Beard Award for best chef in New York State
Fresh off his James Beard Award for best chef in New York State a few days ago, Chinnalagu Vijaya Kumar is furiously on the lookout for fresh goat's blood. Rattha poriyal (goat's blood fry), he says, is a dish he's been dying to add to the menu at Semma, his "unapologetically" Tamil restaurant in New York City. "Unfortunately, it's tough to source it in the US. A request for fresh goat's blood is not something people here are used to," says Vijaya Kumar. But it's something he's sure is going to be a 'semma' (Tamil slang for awesome) hit with his customers. "It's a dish straight from the heart of Tamil Nadu. It's what my food is about, showcasing Tamil cuisine in all its spice, richness, texture, and aroma." It's the same Tamil pride Vijaya Kumar brought with him on stage at the awards ceremony on June 16. Dressed in a veshti — he owns dozens as it's the other staple he has specially flown in from Tamil Nadu along with his condiments — Vijaya Kumar said, in a speech that's gone viral: "Never in my life did I think something like this could happen... that a kid from a small town in Tamil Nadu would one day be standing here. We're celebrating the fire and soul of South Indian cooking in a city that has never quite seen it this way, and we're doing it proudly. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like New Market: Scholarships You Can Apply For (Start Now) Google Search Search Now Undo " When he opened Semma in 2021 and showcased a nathai pirattal (snail masala fry) in its unabashedly rustic glory, packed with onions, tomatoes, and all the goodness of his grandma's home kitchen in Nathan, Madurai, where he grew up, he never thought it would catch on like wildfire, Vijaya Kumar says. "Every time I spoke of snails in New York, all that people knew of it in terms of a dish was the classic French escargot. Why not give people a taste of my paati's (grandmother's) escargot, I thought. " And there was no looking back, says Vijaya Kumar, as he watched hordes of patrons lap up the nathai pirattal, wiping their plates clean with the kal dosa served alongside. He kept smashing out the muyal pirattals (wild rabbit leg), vazhakkai varuvals (roasted plantain), and Chettinad maan kari (deer curry), and almost as fast, the awards streamed in. First, the Michelin Star; then, the rating as one of New York's top restaurants; and now, the James Beard Award, considered the Oscars of the restaurant world. "The dishes are all inspired by family recipes," says Vijaya Kumar. "Growing up, during the holidays, I would forage for snails and hunt for rabbits with my grandmother in Arukkumpatti, a small village that didn't even have a bus service. I would watch her prepare the dish. Everything I make here is exactly as it should be eaten in a home in Madurai. No fancying it up, no toning it down, it's just Tamil food, no filters."
India.com
5 hours ago
- India.com
Dhanush got Rs 30 crore for playing a beggar, while Rashmika Mandanna received Rs..., check full fees of Kubera star cast here
The dominance of South Indian cinema continues to grow, both in India and globally. Whether the budget is high or modest, South films are making serious waves at the box office — and the latest to join the race is Kubera, starring Dhanush. The film is released alongside Aamir Khan's much-anticipated Sitaare Zameen Par, and Kubera isn't just riding on stardom — it's backed by powerhouse performances and intriguing storytelling. Talking about the film Kubera, Dhanush takes on an intense and unusual role — that of a beggar. His gritty look and raw performance have already become a talking point. According to reports, Dhanush charged Rs 30 crore for the role, reflecting both his popularity and the physical transformation demanded by the script. Adding to the film's star power is veteran actor Nagarjuna, who plays a pivotal role. Known for his pan-India appeal, Nagarjuna reportedly earned Rs 14 crore for his part in Kubera, reaffirming his bankable status in Indian cinema. Rashmika Mandanna, who has become a household name after Pushpa, appears opposite Dhanush in this action-drama. While she reportedly earned Rs 10 crore for Pushpa, for Kubera, her fee dropped to Rs 4 crore. Though still a significant amount, the disparity in pay compared to her male co-stars has sparked conversation. Kubera starcast fees: Dhanush – Rs 30 crore Nagarjuna – Rs 14 crore Rashmika Mandanna – Rs 4 crore Kubera expected Box Office collection Despite the buzz and heavyweight cast, the film's box office journey will be closely watched. According to the reports of Sacnilk, Kubera is expected to earn around Rs 8 crore on its opening day. With a production budget pegged at Rs 120 crore, the makers are banking on strong word-of-mouth and regional pull to carry the film through its theatrical run.
Time of India
6 hours ago
- Time of India
Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah actress Sunayana Fozdar opens up on how yoga helps her stay centered through hectic schedules
On the occasion of , actress Sunayana Fozdar shares a heartwarming and inspiring message about the importance of yoga in her life. Known for her role as Anjali Bhabhi in Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah has always inspired her thoughtful options and her sunshine energy. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now ! She says, 'In a world that pulls us in every direction, yoga recenters the body and calms the chaos within. Yoga is that pause button… that mind and body balance we all need!' Sunayana believes that yoga is not just an exercise, but a way to find peace and balance in our busy lives. In today's fast-paced world, her message is a reminder that slowing down and breathing mindfully is just as important as running toward goals. Talking about her personal routine, Sunayana adds, 'Simple forms of stretching every day or simple breathing exercises like Pranayam is the kind of yoga that I try to follow every day.' She also explains how yoga helps her stay focused and positive as an actor. 'As an actor, with the kind of hectic schedule I have, I need to be centered. It's something that helps me get through the day with high, positive energy!' Her words show that even small efforts like daily stretches or a few minutes of deep breathing can make a big difference. Sunayana's approach to yoga is simple, relatable, and filled with positive energy — just like her. On Yoga Day, her message reminds us all to take a moment for ourselves, reconnect with our breath, and choose calmness in the chaos. Taarak Mehta's Sunayana Fozdar aka Anjali: The struggle has always been to get good roles
